Knockdown showcase

ABSTRACT

A knockdown showcase comprises a plurality of rigid, rectangular, prefabricated frame sections, a bottom panel, a light fixture, a plurality of vertical panels, a rear closure assembly, and a top panel. Each frame section is fabricated by welding a pair of vertical uprights to top and bottom stretchers. The light fixture is secured to the front frame section, and the wiring for the fixture is concealed in a duct formed by either of the uprights of the front frame section. The front, back and two end frame sections are secured together, and the bottom panel is seated on panel retaining members extending inwardly from the bottom stretchers of each frame section. The rear closure assembly may be mounted any time after the bottom panel is positioned. The vertical end panels are slid into place adjacent the respective end frame sections, and the front panel is secured in place from the front of the showcase by a pair of bowed resilient retaining strips. The top panel is then seated on top of the frame sections and secured by a trim strip.

United States Patent [72] Inventor William M. Moroziuk River Grove. Ill. [21] Appl No. 743,663

22] Filed July 10, 1968 [45] Patented Aug. 10, 1971 [73] Assignee Garey Corporation [54] KNOCKDOWN SHOWCASE 9 Claims, 9 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 312/257, 312/223 [51] int. CL A47b 47/00, A47b 57/08 [50] Field oi Search 312/108. 111, 114, 140, 223,257, 263

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,224,823 12/1965 Schulze 312/114 X 3,228,736 1/1966 Beckerrnan 312/140 Primary Examiner--Casmir A1 Nunberg Arromey-Dressler, Goldsmith, Clement & Gordon ABSTRACT: A knockdown showcase comprises a plurality of rigid, rectangular, prefabricated frame sections. a bottom panel, a light fixture, a plurality of vertical panels, a rear closure assembly, and a top panel. Each frame section is fabricated by welding a pair of vertical uprights to top and bottom stretchers. The light fixture is secured to the from frame section, and the wiring for the fixture is concealed in a duct formed by either of the uprights of the front frame section. The front, back and two end frame sections are secured together, and the bottom panel is seated on panel retaining members extending inwardly from the bottom stretchers of each frame section. The rear closure assembly may be mounted any time after the bottom panel is positioned. The vertical end panels are slid into place adjacent the respective end frame sections, and the front panel is secured in place from the front of the showcase by a pair of bowed resilient retaining strips. The top panel is then seated on top of the frame sections and secured by a trim strip.

PATENTEUAummen 7 $598,464 SIHEU 2 [IF 4 PATENTED AUG 1.0 m

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PATENTEn Aumo'lsn 3,598,464

saw u [1F 4 KNOCKDOWN SHOWCASE This invention relates to a knockdown showcase of the type disclosed in the Beckerman U.S. Pat. No. 3,228,736, and has many important advantages over the prior art structure. In the showcase constructed in accordance with the present invention, the frame sections have fewer parts and are therefore easier to fabricate. The wiring attachments are secured to various frame sections at the factory and thus the amount of assembly work that must be done by the customer is reduced. The mounting of the glass panels, which must be done at the site of use, is simplified so that no glazing, or any other type of skilled labor, is required. The end panels are slid into channels provided by the frame sections, the top panel is seated on a pair of flanges and held in place by a pair of trim strips screwed to the end frame sections, and the front panel is positioned against the front of the showcase and locked in place by a pair of retaining strips that are merely pressed into holding position.

Each of the frame sections is made of top and bottom stretchers and uprights that are secured together at the corners in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by welding. The stretchers and uprights may be formed of sheet metal strips, or may be extruded of any suitable material capable of retaining its shape. The frame sections may be stocked in predetermined sizes, or may be fabricated to specific orders from lengths of preformed or extruded strips that are mass produced and are cut in the required lengths to provide stretchers and uprights. This method of construction enables the length and depth of the showcase to be varied to suit the user. The height of the showcase is generally standardized, but

I may be varied, if desired.

stretcher of the front frame section, and an electrically conductive wire extending from the light fixture is threaded through a duct formed by the upright at either edge of the front frame section. An electrical junction box is securedto the underside of the base panel in any suitable manner. The junction box has three electrically interconnected terminals adapted to provide three electrical connections.

When the showcase has been assembled, no wiring is required. The person assembling the showcase simply connects the electrically conductive wire from the light fixture to one of the terminals of the junction box, and connects a suitable jumper cable to the junction box and to a live floor or wall outlet. In multiple unit assemblies, the junction box of the unit most convenient to the floor or wall outlet is connected thereto, and the junction boxes of the other showcases are interconnected, with one of them being connected to the first junction box to provide a continuous electrical connection between all ofthe units.

Suitable structure by means of which the above-noted and other advantages of the invention are attained will be described in the following specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which show various embodiments of the invention, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, on a reduced scale, of an assembled showcase embodying the invention, with other showcases of a multiple unit construction shown in phantom;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view-of an unglazed showcase adapted for assembly;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary plan sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG'. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing one of the bowed panel-retaining strips and the associated structure for interlocking it in-itspanel-retaining position;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIGS. 1 and 8;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIGS. 1 and 7; and

FIG. 9 is an exploded fragmentary view of another embodiment of a showcase having a storage compartment below the display compartment. i g 7 Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, inclusive, with particular reference to FIG. 2, the knockdown showcase 11 comprises a front frame section 12, two end frame sections 13 and 14, and a back frame section 15. The frame sections are secured together, as hereinafter described, and comprise the frame of a single unit'showcase. Each of the frame sections is fabricated from a strip of sheet metal or other suitable material that is either formed or extruded in specific cross-sectional configuration depending upon the purpose it will fulfill in the completed structure.

The frame sections are similar, but differ in specific details, as hereinafter described. The front frame section comprises a top stretcher 16, a bottom stretcher 17, and two uprights l8 and 19 connected to opposite ends of the top and bottom stretchers. Each end frame section similarly comprises a top stretcher 21', a bottom stretcher 22, and two uprights 23 and 24 connected to opposite ends of the top and bottom stretchers. The back frame section comprises a top stretcher 25, a bottom stretcher 26, and two uprights 27 and 28 connected to the opposite ends of the top and bottom stretchers. In each frame section the uprights may be connected to the top and bottom stretchers in any suitable manner, but preferably are welded thereto to provide substantially rectangular rigid frame sections for the front, back, and both ends of the showcase.

As shown best in FIG. 3, the bottom stretcher 17 has a novel configuration that facilitates the assembly of the showcase and enhances the security with which the parts are held. The stretcher 17 comprises a strip folded along its length to form a vertical flange 29, an intermediate flange 31 extending rearwardly from the flange 29 at right angles thereto, and a channel 32 below the flange 31 with its open end facing rearwardly; The top stretcher 16 comprises an L-shaped strip having a vertical front flange 33 and a horizontal top flange 34. The uprights I8 and 19, as shown in FIG. 5, are identical except that they are reversed. Each ofthem comprises a substantially tubular duct for the passage of wires as hereinafter described. The uprights have an L-shaped cross section with one open side. The open side of each upright faces outwardly and is closed by butting it against the uprights 24 of the adjacent end frame section.

As shown best in FIG. 3, the top and bottom stretchers of the back frame section have cross-sectional configurations adapted to cooperate with a closure assembly hereinafter described. It will be understood that the showcase may be provided with any suitable closure means. In FIG. 3, the top stretcher 25 has a cross-sectional configuration generally of L- shape with a flange 35 depending vertically from the rear of the stretcher. The horizontal leg 36 of the stretcher has an inverted channel 37 adjacent the flange 35. Another channel 38 is secured to the horizontal leg 36, forwardly of the channel 37. Both channels 37 and 38 face downwardly.

The bottom stretcher 26 comprises a strip bent longitudinally to form an open top channel 39 having two flanges 41 and 42 depending from its opposite longitudinal edges. The width of the channel 39 is substantially equal to the distance between the front edge of the channel 38 and the flange 35 of the top stretcher. The portion of the bottom stretcher forwardly of the channel 39 is bent to form a horizontal portion 43, a downwardly extending vertical portion 44, a forwardly extending flange 45 and a channel 46 below the flange 45. In the assembled showcase, the flanges 31 and 35 are coplanar, and the channels 32 and 46 are of equal size. The channels 32 and 46 have their open sides facing each other.

' The uprights 27 and 28 of the back frame section, as shown in FIG, 5, are identical except that they are reversed. Each of these uprights comprises a strip bent to form a back flange 47, an intermediate portion 48 extending forwardly from the flange 47, a section 49 parallel to the flange 47, and a channel section 51 having its open side facing rearwardly, and terminating in the planeof the section 49.

In the end frame sections, the top and bottom stretchers 21 and 22 (FIG. 4) and both uprights 23 and 24 (FIG. 5) are tubular. Each of these stretchers and uprights has threaded openings in one sidewall thereof to receive screws by means of which the front and back frame sections are secured to the end frame sections. The uprights 24 of the end frame sections are each wide enough to completely close and extend beyond the open side of the upright 18 or 19 adjacent thereto. The portion of each upright 24 extending beyond the open side of the upright cooperates with a portion of the upright to form a channel 52 when the front frame section is secured to the end frame sections. The open side of each channel 52 faces rearwardly. The uprights 23 extend rearwardly of the intermediate 1 the showcase illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the showcase is intended to stand on the floor, and the uprights 23 and 24 extend below the bottom stretcher 22 to support the showcase in spaced relationship to the floor. Each upright 23 and 24 has a threaded recess in its lower end. A foot piece 54 is rotatably mounted on a stud threaded into the recess to permit the showcase to be leveled by individual adjustment of the foot pieces.

The assembly of the showcase is simplified by mounting various devices for lighting the showcase on certain components before the frame sections are secured to each other. As shown in FIG. 3, a light fixture 55 is secured to the top flange 34 of the front frame section. The light fixture is adapted to hold a fluorescent tube 56, but it will be understood that any type of fixture adapted to hold a suitable light may be used. The light fixture shown comprises a channel-shaped outer shell 57 secured to the underside of the top flange 34 by screws, or other suitable fastener members, and a channel-shaped reflector liner 58 held within the outer shell by flanges 59 and 61 turned inwardly from the lower edges of the sidewalls 62 and 63 of the outer shell. The fixture 55 may be wired from either end, and a wire 64, considerably longer than the height of the front frame section, extends from the terminal end of the fixture, as shown in FIG. 2.

Each of the uprights 18 and 19 (FIG. 5) has its upper end contiguous to one end of the light fixture so that either duct may receive the wire 64, depending on the wiring of the fixture 55, and provide a concealed passage for the wire from the terminal end of the fixture to the bottom of the showcase. The bottom stretcher 17 of the front frame section has a cutout (not shown) adjacent the bottom of each duct 18 and 19 to permit the wire 64 to pass through the bottom of the showcase. A tubular elbow-shaped housing 65 is mounted on the bottom stretcher 17 with one end thereof contiguous to the cutout through which the wire 64 extends. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 65 extends downwardly from the bottom stretcher. A flexible protective tubular conduit 66 has one end secured to the housing 65 and extends outwardly therefrom to protect the portion of the wire 64 that projects beyond the outer end of the housing 65.

The bottom of the showcase comprises a bottom panel 67 (FIGS. 3 and 4) that may be made of wood, or any other suitable material. Each panel 67 has ajunction box 68 mounted on its underside, as shown in FIG. 2, for providing an electrical connection between a current source and the light fixture. The necessary electrical connections are made after the showcase has been assembled.

The method of assembling the components forming the showcase is very simple. A left end frame section 13 is secured to one end ofa back frame section 15, and a right end frame section 14 is secured to the opposite end of the back frame section. Each of the end frame sections extends forwardly of the back frame section to provide support for the partially assembled showcase. The flange 45 extends forwardly of the bottom stretcher 26 to help supportthe bottom panel 67. Y

The means for supporting the bottomtpanel 67 in the show case will now be described. The panel 67 has a recess69 (FIG. 3) in its rear edge adapted to receive the flange 45 projecting forwardly from the bottom stretcher 26; The panel has a recess 71 in each end, as shown in FIG. 4. A panel-retaining member in the form of a strip 72 is secured to each bottom stretcher 22 in any suitable manner. Each strip 72 has an integral flange 73 extending inwardly from the stretcher 22. After the end frame sections are secured to the back frame section, the bottom panel is slid rearwardly, with the flanges 73 engaging the recesses 71, until the recess 69 engages the flange 45 and the rear edge of the panel below the recess 69 is seated in the channel 46, as shown in FIG. 3. The front edge of the panel 67 has a recess 74 that is coplanar with the recesses 69 and 71 and is of substantially the same depth. When the bottom panel is properly positioned with respect to the back and end frame sections, the front frame section is moved into position with its flange 31 engaging the recess 74 and the front edge ofthe panel below the recess 74 seated in the channel 32.

The flange 29 is located forwardly of the front edge of the panel 67, as shown in FIG. 3. The lower edge of a glass or other transparent front panel 75 is seated on the bottom stretcher 17 between the flange 29 and the front edge of the bottom panel 67. A cushioning strip 76 of polyurethane tape or similar material is secured to the edges of the panel 75 to provide a snug fit and prevent rattling. As shown in FIG. 5, the panel 75 is pushed against the front frame section from the front of the showcase and is held against the front side of the front frame section by a pair of resilient bowed panel retaining members 77 located adjacent the opposite vertical edges of the front panel 75. This method of assembling the front panel from the front of the showcase simplifies the assembly by eliminating the need of any glazing, or other skilled labor, in order to put the panel in place or to hole it there. The front panel 75 is shorter than the lateral distance between the opposite end frame sections, and a narrow gap 78 extends between each vertical edge of the front panel and the adjacent end frame section.

Each bowed panel retaining member 77, as shown best in FIG. 6, comprises a resilient strip bent to form a flange 79 adapted to overlie one vertical edge of the front panel, and a second flange 81 extending perpendicularly to the flange 79 along the longitudinal center of the folded strip. The flange 81 has a tab 82 extending below the lower end of the flange 79 for engagement with the flange 29. The upper end of the flange 81 is bent at right angles to form a lip 83 that is narrow at its outer end and increases in width at its inner end. The wide inner end of the lip terminates in a straight edge 86 that is spaced from the inner surface of the flange 79.

A spring wire clip 84 is mounted on the top of the top stretcher 16 with a hook end 85 extending forwardly of the top stretcher within the gap 78. The lower end of the bowed panel retaining strip 77 is positioned on the bottom stretcher 17 with the tab 82 at the bottom of the flange 81 within the gap 78 rearwardly of the flange 29. The upper end of the strip 77 is then pressed rearwardly until the lip 83 passes the hook end 85 of the spring clip 84. The hook end then snaps back to engage the flat edge 86 of the lip 83 to hold the strip 77 in place. The flange 79 completely covers the gap 78 and holds the panel 75 against the uprights 18 and 19.

After the panel 75 is properly positioned, a glass or other transparent end panel 87 is mounted at each end of the showcase. The panel 87 is slid downwardly with itsvertical edges fitting snugly into the oppositely disposed channels 52 and 53. The edges of the panels 87 are also provided with tape 76 as in the case of the panel 75. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower edge of the panel 87 fits snugly into a channel 88 adjacent the bottom stretcher 22. The channel 88 is formed by the upper portion of the inner wall of the stretcher 22 and an intermediate portion of the strip 72.

A trim strip 89 is secured to the inner wall of each top stretcher 21 to form a channel 91 fitting over the upper edge of the panel 87, as shown in- FIG. 4. A trim strip 92 is then pressed over the top edge of the panel 75. As shown in FIG. 3, the forward edge portion of the strip 92 is bent to form a channel 93 similar to the channel 37. The lower edge of the strip 92 is turned inwardly to form aflange 94 engaging the upper edge portion of the panel 75 to hold it against the front flange 33 of the top stretcher 16. A horizontal flange 95 extending rearwardly from the channel 93 cooperates with the horizontal leg 36 of the top stretcher 25 and with the upper flanges 96 of the strips 89 to form a seat for a top panel 97 of glass or other suitable transparent material. A cushioning strip 76 is secured to the bottom edge portions of the panel 97.

After the panel 97 has been seated on the flanges 36, 95 and 96, an angular retaining strip 98 may be secured between each stretcher 21 and the trim strip 89 to hold the panel 97 against upward displacement. The screws securing the strip 89 to the stretcher 21 are removed to permit insertion of the vertical leg of the strip 98 and are then screwed back in place.

As shown in FIG. 3, the rear closure assembly comprises a track 102 seated in the channel 39, and a pair of sliding doors 103 and 104 mounted on rollers 105 and 106, respectively. The upper edge of the door 103 extends upwardly into the channel 38, and the upper edge of the door 104 extends upwardly into the space between the channel 38 and the flange 35. The flange 35 and the walls of the channel 38 serve as guides for the upper edges of the doors and maintain the vertical alignment of the doors. Sufficient headroom is provided to permit removal and replacement ofthe doors when desired.

As shown best in FIG. 5, the back frame section is reinforced by an intermediate tubular strip 99 that is secured, preferably by welding, to the top and bottom stretcher's 25 and 26. The front wall of the strip 99 and the corresponding wall of each channel section 51 are slotted, as indicated at 101, FIGS. 4 and 5, to receive brackets for supporting any suitable shelves.

The structure hereinabove described comprises a single unit showcase. If a multiple unit structure is to be fabricated, an end frame section 13 will be provided at the outer end of one of the outermost units, and an end frame section 14 will be provided at the outer end of the other outermost unit. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an intermediate frame section 107 will be positioned between the adjoining units. The frame section 107 is identical to either end frame section 13 or 14, except that all of the stretchers are apertured on two sides instead of on only one side. The screws 110 used in the single unit embodiment to secure the front and back frame sections and the strips 72 and 89 to the end frame members are used for the same purpose on opposite sides of each of the stretchers comprising the intermediate frame sections 107. In the multiple unit structure the end panels 87 may be omitted.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9, the showcase illustrated is divided along a horizontal plane to provide an upper display compartment and a lower storage compartment. The storage compartment is preferably closed to view from the front and sides. as hereinafter described. The showcase of FIG. 9 may be built into a multiple unit, either with other showcases of the same type, or with showcases of the type previously-described.

In FIG. 9, the showcase differs from the showcase previously described in that it has two front panels I09 and III instead of the front panel 75. two end panels H2 and It} instead of each of the end panels 87 and a strip 114 secured to the uprights 27 and 28 by means of L-shaped brackets 115. The lower panels 109 and 112 at the front and ends of the storage compartment are made of wood or other suitable opaque material, and the upper panels 111 and 113 at the front and ends of the display compartment are made of glass or other transparent material.

The assembly of the showcase of FIG. 9 differs from the assembly hereinabove described in several particulars. After the end frame sections 13 and 14 are secured to the back frame section 15, the trim strips 72 are secured to the bottom stretchers 22, and the end panels 112 are mounted in place with their lower edges supported by the trim strips 72. Trim strips 116, similar to trim strips 72, are mounted on the upper edges of the panels 112. An intermediate horizontal panel 1 17, similar to the bottom panel 67, is then slid rearwardly on flanges 118 projecting inwardly from the strips 116 in the same manner as the panel 67 is slid on the flanges 73 of the strips 72. The strip 114 is similar to the bottom stretcher 26, and has a forwardly extending flange 119, similar to the flange 45, that is engaged by the slot in the rear edge of the panel 117 when it is pushed back as far as it can go. The flange 119 is coplanar with the flanges 118 and cooperates with them to help support the panel 117.

The lower front panel 109, with a trim strip 121, similar to the bottom stretcher 17, mounted on its upper edge, is positioned with its lower edge on the bottom stretcher 17 between the front edge of the panel 67 and the upstanding flange 29, and with its upper edge extending forwardly of the front frame section 12. The panel 109 is then swung inwardly into assembled position with the rearwardly extending flange 122 of the strip 121 engaging the panel 117 in the same manner as flange 31 of the bottom stretcher 17 engages the panel 67.

The rest of the assembly method for securing the upper end and front panels, and the top panel, to the showcase are the same as in the method of assembly described in connection with the panels 75, 87 and 97, respectively. The panel retaining strips 77 help to hold both panels 109 and 111 in the front frame section.

The rear closure assembly of the upper display compartment of the showcase of FIG. 9 is the same as that of FIG. 2, except that it extends between the strip 114 and the top stretcher 25. The rear closure assembly may be omitted from the storage compartment. If a rear closure assembly is provided for the storage compartment, it may be the same as that for the upper compartment, but usually comprises one or two hinged panels.

In each embodiment of the invention the wiring connections are made after the showcase is assembled. The loose end of the wire 64 is plugged into the junction box. If the installation comprises a single showcase, the junction box is connected to a floor or wall outlet by a jumper cable 123. If the installation comprises a multiple unit showcase, the junction box of the showcase most convenient to a floor or wall outlet is connected to it by the cable 123, and the junction boxes of the other units are interconnected by cables 123, with one of them being connected to the first junction box to provide a continuous electrical connection between the junction boxes of all the units.

Although a few embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail, it will be understood that the description thereof is intended to be illustrative, rather than restrictive, as many details of the structure may be modified or changed without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not desired to be restricted to the exact structure disclosed.

lclaim:

1. A knockdown'showcase comprising a back frame section, two end frame sections and a bottom panel mounted between the lower edge portions of said frame sections, a front frame section comprising a top stretcher, a bottom stretcher, nml two vertical stretchcrs each connected to the corresponding ends of said top and bottom stretchers. an upwardly directed flange on said bottom stretcher in forwardly spaced relationship to the front edge of said bottom panel, a vertically disposed front panel having its lower edge seated on said bottom stretcher between said flange and the front edge of said bottom panel, and two panel-retaining strips overlying opposite edges of said front panel to hold it within said front frame section, and wherein each vertical edge of said front panel is spaced from the adjacent vertical stretcher, each of said panelnretaining strips has its lower end seated on said bottom panel rearwardly of said flange, and said top stretcher has means mounted thereon for holding the upper end of each of said panel-retaining strips against accidental displacement.

2. A knockdown showcase comprising a back frame section, two end frame sections, a front frame section, a vertically disposed front panel positioned against the front side of said front frame section, a pair of bowed resilient panel-retaining strips positioned adjacent opposite ends of said front frame section, each of said strips overlying one vertical front edge of said front panel, and means for holding both ends of each of said strips against the front edge surface of said front panel against accidental displacement, whereby said strips hold each end of said front panel against the front surface of said front frame section.

3. A knockdown showcase comprising a back frame section, two end frame sections, a front frame section, a vertically disposed front panel positioned in said front frame section, a pair of panel-retaining strips positioned adjacent opposite ends of said front frame section, each of said strips overlying one vertical edge of said front panel, means for holding both ends of each of said strips against accidental displacement, whereby said strips hold said front panel in said front frame section and in which said front frame section comprises top and bottom stretchers and connecting uprights secured together at the corners, and wherein said holding means comprises a flange extending upwardly from the outer edge of said bottom stretcher, each of said pair of panel-retaining strips having its lower end positioned rearwardly of said flange, and spring clips mounted on said top stretcher for engaging and holding the upper ends of said strips.

4. A showcase as recited in claim 1, in which said means comprises a pair of spring clips, and the upper end of each of said panel-retaining strips has a lip engageable with one of said spring clips, whereby the upper end of each panel-retaining strip is resiliently held against said front panel.

5. A showcase as recited in claim 1, in which each edge of said bottom panel has a recess extending along its entire length, and each of said frame sections has a flange extending inwardly therefrom, each of said inwardly extending flanges engaging one of said recesses whereby said bottom panel is supported in horizontal position between the lower edge portions of said frame sections.

6. A knockdown showcase comprising a back frame section, two end frame sections and a bottom panel mounted between the lower edge portions of said frame sections, a front frame section comprising a top stretcher, a bottom stretcher, and

two vertical stretchers each connected to the corresponding ends of said top and bottom stretchers, an upwardly directed flange on said bottom stretcher in forwardly spaced relationship to the front edge of said bottom panel, a vertically disposed lower front panel having its lower edge seated on said bottom stretcher between said flange and the front edge of said bottom panel, a trim strip seated on the upper edge of said lower front panel, an upper front panel having its lower edge seated on said trim strip, and a panel-retaining strip adjacent each of said vertical stretchers, each of said panel-retaining strips overlying corresponding vertical edges of said lower and upper front panels for holding them within said front frame section.

7. A showcase as recited in claim 6, in which each of said panel-retaining strips has its lower end seated on said bottom stretcher rearwardly of said flange, and said top stretcher has means mounted thereon for holding the upper end of each of said panel-retaining strips against accidental displacement.

8. A knockdown showcase comprising substantially rectangular front, back, and end frame sections each having a top stretcher and a bottom stretcher connected by a pair of uprights, a bottom panel having recesses extending inwardly from each edge, and a flange extending inwardly from the bottom stretcher of each of said end frame sections, said bottom panel being slidably engageable with said flanges whereby it may be positioned in a horizontal plane between the lower edge portions of said frame sections.

9. A showcase as recited in claim 8 and having flanges extending forwardly and rearwardly, respectively, from said back and front frame sections, said last mentioned flanges each being engageable with one of said recesses, whereby said bottom panel may be supported in said horizontal plane along each edge. 

1. A knockdown showcase comprising a back frame section, two end frame sections and a bottom panel mounted between the lower edge portions of said frame sections, a front frame section comprising a top stretcher, a bottom stretcher, and two vertical stretchers each connected to the corresponding ends of said top and bottom stretchers, an upwardly directed flange on said bottom stretcher in forwardly spaced relationship to the front edge of said bottom panel, a vertically disposed front panel having its lower edge seated on said bottom stretcher between said flange and the front edge of said bottom panel, and two panel-retaining strips overlying opposite edges of said front panel to hold it within said front frame section, and wherein each vertical edge of said front panel is spaced from the adjacent vertical stretcher, each of said panel-retaining strips has its lower end seated on said bottom panel rearwardly of said flange, and said top stretcher has means mounted thereon for holding the upper end of each of said panel-retaining strips against accidental displacement.
 2. A knockdown showcase comprising a back frame section, two end frame sections, a front frame section, a vertically disposed front panel positioned against the front side of said front frame section, a pair of bowed resilient panel-retaining strips positioned adjacent opposite ends of said front frame section, each of said strips overlying one vertical front edge of said front panel, and means for holding both ends of each of said strips against the front edge surface of said front panel against accidental displacement, whereby said strips hold each end of said front panel against the front surface of said front frame section.
 3. A knockdown showcase comprising a back frame section, two end frame sections, a front frame section, a vertically disposed front panel positioned in said front frame section, a paiR of panel-retaining strips positioned adjacent opposite ends of said front frame section, each of said strips overlying one vertical edge of said front panel, means for holding both ends of each of said strips against accidental displacement, whereby said strips hold said front panel in said front frame section and in which said front frame section comprises top and bottom stretchers and connecting uprights secured together at the corners, and wherein said holding means comprises a flange extending upwardly from the outer edge of said bottom stretcher, each of said pair of panel-retaining strips having its lower end positioned rearwardly of said flange, and spring clips mounted on said top stretcher for engaging and holding the upper ends of said strips.
 4. A showcase as recited in claim 1, in which said means comprises a pair of spring clips, and the upper end of each of said panel-retaining strips has a lip engageable with one of said spring clips, whereby the upper end of each panel-retaining strip is resiliently held against said front panel.
 5. A showcase as recited in claim 1, in which each edge of said bottom panel has a recess extending along its entire length, and each of said frame sections has a flange extending inwardly therefrom, each of said inwardly extending flanges engaging one of said recesses whereby said bottom panel is supported in horizontal position between the lower edge portions of said frame sections.
 6. A knockdown showcase comprising a back frame section, two end frame sections and a bottom panel mounted between the lower edge portions of said frame sections, a front frame section comprising a top stretcher, a bottom stretcher, and two vertical stretchers each connected to the corresponding ends of said top and bottom stretchers, an upwardly directed flange on said bottom stretcher in forwardly spaced relationship to the front edge of said bottom panel, a vertically disposed lower front panel having its lower edge seated on said bottom stretcher between said flange and the front edge of said bottom panel, a trim strip seated on the upper edge of said lower front panel, an upper front panel having its lower edge seated on said trim strip, and a panel-retaining strip adjacent each of said vertical stretchers, each of said panel-retaining strips overlying corresponding vertical edges of said lower and upper front panels for holding them within said front frame section.
 7. A showcase as recited in claim 6, in which each of said panel-retaining strips has its lower end seated on said bottom stretcher rearwardly of said flange, and said top stretcher has means mounted thereon for holding the upper end of each of said panel-retaining strips against accidental displacement.
 8. A knockdown showcase comprising substantially rectangular front, back, and end frame sections each having a top stretcher and a bottom stretcher connected by a pair of uprights, a bottom panel having recesses extending inwardly from each edge, and a flange extending inwardly from the bottom stretcher of each of said end frame sections, said bottom panel being slidably engageable with said flanges whereby it may be positioned in a horizontal plane between the lower edge portions of said frame sections.
 9. A showcase as recited in claim 8 and having flanges extending forwardly and rearwardly, respectively, from said back and front frame sections, said last mentioned flanges each being engageable with one of said recesses, whereby said bottom panel may be supported in said horizontal plane along each edge. 